Liverpool are planning to raid Fluminense but their target is not Andre Trindade, it is their captain Nino

Liverpool are looking to bolster their defence by signing Fluminense defender Nino after cooling down their interest for Andre Trindade. The Reds have shifted their attention towards the defensive vulnerabilities they are facing with the current injury crisis.

Liverpool have lost Joel Matip to a season-ending injury while the 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season. Furthermore, the Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has deployed versatile defender Joe Gomez at the left flank as the last-gasp option.

Liverpool lost left-back Kostas Tsimikas to a long-term injury after he suffered a collarbone fracture during the draw against Arsenal. The Reds are already missing Andy Robertson since the October international break. The Scotsman should make his return in January, until then Gomez remains the only option.

Ibrahima Konate and Gomez are a fantastic defensive option to partner with captain Virgil van Dijk. However, both the defenders have an unreliable history with nagging injuries that make it hard to depend on them. Jarell Quansah is another option for Klopp after his steep rise to the senior team but the youngster needs game-management.

Liverpool attempted to sign Andre for the number six role during the summer transfer window when Klopp revamped the midfield. However, the Brazilian opted to stay put and now the Reds look more than happy with what they have.

Wataru Endo has been a shrewd signing for the number six position while Alexis Mac-Allister did a good job earlier. Whenever Gomez played as a right-back, the vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold also operated as the deep-lying playmaker. The midfield role has seen Trent deliver dominant performances, fueling expectations of an eventual permanent transition for him in that position.

Fichajes reported that Liverpool are planning to sign Fluminense captain Nino to rectify their defensive issues. Several clubs, including AS Roma, Fulham, and Feyenoord, are vying for the 26-year-old’s signature following his impressive season in Brazil. The Fluminense captain has a termination clause of just €7mil. which makes the potential deal more tempting.

Nino is a right-footed central defender standing at 1.88 metres and physically imposing in both aerial and ground duels. The 26-year-old plays a pivotal cog in Fluminense manager Fernando Diniz’s unorthodox tactics, demanding small passes and direct possessional play.

The Brazilian thrives on the ball, capable of driving forward on possession or starting a build-up with impeccable distribution. Nino is an aggressive defender but he uses good positioning, decision-making and anticipation to make the right tackles and interceptions.

More Liverpool News!

• Liverpool’s defensive troubles prompt them to look at 22-year-old Portuguese central defender
• Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk unparalleled in this particular regard
• Jurgen Klopp is ‘really happy’ with one Liverpool star who continues to prove his doubters wrong

The 26-year-old is not the fastest defender but he is still quick enough to use recovery pace when required. For a cheap price and lack of injuries during his playing career, Nino fits the Liverpool profile perfectly.